More Morganville, Kansas and Feves, France

Morganville was the smallest community to participate in Operation Democracy, a relief effort [not] organized under the Marshall Plan.

Growing up post WWII, Mr. Oetinger said he was somewhat aware of the devastation in Europe because his brother�s class in school had corresponded with soldiers during the war. However, it wasn�t until members of the Morganville community came up with the idea of raising money, through the performance of a pageant, that he really became aware of the situation.

"At the age of 7 to 10, it probably wasn't so much in my mind 'til the pageant," he said. "After the pageant there where many news reports about Feves and the destruction and the help they were receiving. We all felt sad about the innocent people suffering and just wanted to help them."

Mr. Oetinger, who along with his classmates at Morganville grade school, was in the pageant the Morganville residents put on as a fundraiser.

�I don't really remember my (exact) role. I was in a costume and in a group with others my age," he said.

The night of the performance there were mobs or people who flocked to the limestone amphitheater, which had been built as a WPA project in downtown Morganville during the Depression. News reports said there were 3,000 people there. That�s a pretty big number considering Morganville�s population was only 250.

�The performance itself was top notch with everyone enjoying themselves," he said. "It also helped that it was for a good cause, and also that there was no age limit - young and old were working in unity."

Earlier this month, a delegation of residents of Feves, France visited Morganville and reconnected with the town that helped them recover decades earlier. Mr. Oetinger said he enjoyed being with these people.

"It was particularly gratifying to know that you were part of it (the Feves recovery process) when the people came here to thank us and give gifts to the community at this time. They were a fun group and very gracious. When the translator told them in French about our recollections of the time, they applauded many times and wanted photos of themselves with the participants. It was a hoot! They have promised to continue the relationship," Mr. Oetinger said.

Editor�s note: Mr. Gary Oetinger is one of several people still around who was part of the pageant. Others include: Ann Oetinger Parr, Jay Mellies, Mary Anne Carlson McAdams, Scharlotte Lewis Knitter, Bob Condray, Lennea Oetinger Nikkel, Barbara Roenigk Hart, Pearl Woellhof, Lois Pierson Lippert Eggerman and Avis Canfield.


[Story by Martay VanWey. Photo by G. Torlotting.]